Ceasefire in Gaza must pave the way for humanitarian relief and a two-state solution

gaza peace 2 state solution

The long nightmare of conflict in Gaza may finally see a glimmer of hope. Last week’s provisional ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which includes the release of Israeli hostages, marks a significant first step towards ending the violence that has ravaged the region.

In a European Parliament debate, taking place today, the Socialists and Democrats (S&Ds) Group calls for the ceasefire to be made permanent and urges the Israeli authorities to promptly unlock humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of millions of Palestinians. Concrete steps must also be taken to secure reconstruction and lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, through a viable two-state solution.

Yannis Maniatis, vice-president of the S&D Group for foreign affairs, security and defence, said:

“This agreement is a long-awaited step, one we have advocated for over a year, calling persistently for a ceasefire. However, it cannot erase the tragedy of 50,000 Palestinian civilian deaths, nor that of the Israeli victims of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas. The needless destruction in Gaza could have been avoided had the military response adhered to the rules of international law governing legitimate defence.

“Ensuring the ceasefire’s durability and securing the release of all hostages is now imperative. European institutions must lead the efforts in humanitarian aid and material reconstruction, but also political rebuilding. A two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist in peace, security, and dignity, is the only sustainable path forward.”

Nacho Amor Sánchez, S&D spokesperson in the European Parliament’s committee on foreign affairs, said:

“We welcome the recent agreement between Hamas and Israel on the release of hostages and the Gaza ceasefire, facilitated by the US president Joe Biden’s administration. While Israel has the right to self-defence, the use of collective punishment is never justified. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a critical point, with northern Gaza on the brink of famine.

 “It is imperative for Israel to allow the flow of humanitarian aid. We reiterate our call for the Knesset to lift its restrictions on UNRWA’s essential activities, which are vital for Palestinian survival. The suffering of innocent civilians must end.”

MEPs involved
Head of delegation
Vice-president
Greece
Coordinator, Member
Spain
S&D press contact